NY S07170

Creates a Lyme and tick-borne diseases working group in the executive department consisting of the commissioners of health, mental health, and environmental conservation; superintendent of financial services; and 14 additional members appointed by the governor and legislative leaders.

Requires working group membership to include at least one infectious disease specialist, general practitioner, mental health practitioner, entomologist, epidemiologist, health insurance provider representative, and tick-borne disease advocacy organization representative.

Designates the health commissioner as chair and requires the working group to meet at least twice yearly to review best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

Tasks the working group with providing recommendations on patient care delivery, county health department collaboration, interagency coordination, federal partnerships, and data collection requirements related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

Requires the working group to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders by May 1, 2019.